It's officially that time of the year, where extended family all around gather to be near! It was so fun to take a walk outdoors with the Hawkes extended family to document the specialness of this stage of their relationships in family photos. My favorite moment of the shoot was when I asked if we should do a photo of the "originals" — they had a good laugh about it, but it is true. I absolutely love seeing how families have expanded throughout the years, but there's also something special about seeing the original family that started and then being able to compare that to the wonderful families that have grown and continue to change from it. So, in true fashion, I have the extended family photo at the top of this blog post and you'll have to scroll to the very end to find the originals — you're welcome!

For a date of October 22 in Minnesota, you just don’t know what weather you’re going to get. Chances of snow? That’s a real possibility here, but Sierra and Andrew’s wedding was on the perfect fall weather day. Think sixty degree weather, bright sunny skies, and a slight breeze. They could not have asked for a better day! These two were all smiles as they got ready for their wedding at their alma mater, Crown College. In fact, Crown College wasn’t just the college these two attended – it was the college they met at.

Josh and Erin. It was such a fun time capturing their engagement photos at Highlands Park in Cottage Grove, but it was fun more than the fact that we were taking engagement photos, but because these two are great friends of ours. They met on our couch in our living room. Every time I say that, I can’t help but let out a little laugh and smile. You see, Josh lives like 400 feet from our house. But the story doesn’t start on our couch, I’d argue it goes farther back.

I think one of the best things about being a photographer is capturing the special moments of a family’s life and then, a few years later, getting to see the family again – seeing how they’re the same and yet have grown into this new season of life. This is how I feel about the Fenske family. I was able to capture their intimate wedding and then capture their little lady’s newborn portraits’ days before the entire world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we are, now, already two and a half years later and they already have a two and a half year old. It leaves you with the constant reminder of how quickly time goes by and how important it is to be in the moments as well as capture the moments. ​Fenske family, thank you so much for trusting me to capture the special chapters of your family’s life. Much love to you all!

How cute are an engaged couple and their dog? So cute. But then you add sunset time on a beautiful, crisp fall night? To die for adorable. Stephanie and Michael are one such couple. They were beyond sweet during their mini portrait session, all smiles and giggles the entire time. It's such a pleasure to be around people who overflow with joy and are grateful for the day in front of them. It gives those around them life and leaves them smiling — don't you love how smiling is so contagious?